Okay, recently the sunroof/moonroof stopped working properly. When pushing the button to open/close, it seems that the right hand side is trying to do its job. The left side however doesn't seem to be doing anything. I have removed the glass and the headliner insert (cover) so as to get a closer look. When pushing the button, the right side functions some but the left side does not. I can manually slide the right side frame (the part that the glass bolts to and slides on the track) but it does not move with the button.

Is the window moved via a cable or two? Is it possible to get out of sync? I have not removed the headliner as this is our only car and I don't care to mess with it during the week. If I can get some info I will get into it next weekend. Is there anyplace that I can find diagrams online of the mechanism? That would be most helpful.

I hope to hear from some of those experienced with sunroof/moonroof repairs. Thanks in advance!

VillageIdiot,

It sounds like either the motor or the switch may have gone out on your sunroof. (refer to this sunroof switch diagram). The following diagrams may also be of use to you:


**Overhead console view of the sunroof switch**


**Sunroof motor location**


**Sunroof components diagram**

Let me know if you need a walk-through for replacing either the switch or the motor!

OUTSTANDING! Thanks for the info! Just what the doctor ordered. I'll dig into it this weekend and report back what happens... just in case it can help the next person! Thanks so much!

The motor drives flexible cables that transmit rotation to the gears that drive the glass. These cables have square ends that mate to gears that tend to round off and slip inside the gear. The cables used to be available as a seperate service item, but not for some time now. At least, I have not been able to find them. If that turns out to be the problem, park the glass in the closed position and use it only sparingly until you find replacement cables.

Could also be stripped gears at the motor end of the flex cables, or at the gears that drive the glass. I am fairly sure the only way to truly find out is to drop the headliner.

I know the post is old but still relevant. If the gears aren't worn the other common problem is a broken plastic piece that pulls the metal brackets for glass sunroof back. Service centers will tell you that you have to replace the entire track assembly. This is the "proper" solution, but if you are one to tackle your own repairs then I have posted a repair procedure that has worked at least a year for me.

myCarFling | Preserving Car Legacies | What'* your fling?

In summary, you first remove the sunroof glass by removing four screws accessed from inside the car; then you will need to lower, but not remove your headliner. Remove the sunroof track. Use wire ties and plastic weld together to repair the broken plastic piece on either the driver or passenger side or both sides. This is not technically difficult but time consuming. Repair cost is mainly time; materials are under $20. This is a "hack" repair but works for me.

Roger,

Nice write up, thanks for posting your retro fix.

JustABowTieGuy I have a 2002 Buick Century Limited edition. Seems the sunroof glass has jumped its tracks. When the motor button is pushed the motor sound like its working fine but the window does not move. Can you tell me how to access the sun roof tracts or the best way to get window back on tracks since its between the roof liner & the hard outside roof. Tks

For the life of me, I don't know why GM never made their sunroofs will a manual access hole....my wife'* old Datsun had one......came with a crank in the glove box.....if the motor or switch failed, you popped off the access hole and you inserted the crank, and could close the window......

GM modules are a pain in the *** to work on, and all need the headliner dropped to access the motor.....if it'* not the motor or switch, then it is usually the module itself since there are no parts for these things....

Just an FYI.....more problems are caused by dirt getting into the tracks and also the drain plugs.....this can be avoided, by closing the top when parking the car, instead of leaving it open.....